[CQ-Contest] SO2R Again

[Cqtestk4xs at aol.com]

In a message dated 11/24/04 3:40:23 AM Greenwich Standard Time,  
K6LL at adelphia.net writes:

think  Bill understates the cost requirement. If you
are considering
a jump to  SO2R, you probably have already come a long
way in building
your SO1R  station. If your going to do SO2R, you may as
well do it
correctly right  off the bat. Sooner or later, you are
going to end


Nobody said you had to have a first class set up for the second  radio.  We 
are talking an S/P station here...not a run station.
 
1.  An amp is not necessary even if you are using an amp on the first  
station.  Many guys do not even have an amp on the first station.
 
2.  Although it is nice to have two similar radios, it is not  necessary.  
Until 1999 I used two different radios successfully. Lots of  guys successfully 
use an old beater for the second rig because it is all they  can afford. TS 
930, old TS 820...whatever is OK.  Borrowed radio for the  weekend.........Free
 
3.  The second antenna need not be a biggie.  A vertical is all  that is 
needed.  Switching is by one used Waters A/B switch.  It is  not necessary to use 
a Six Pack.  I didn't get mine until 2001.
 
4.  Filters...K1TTT site.  I used, and still do all coax ones  made from old 
junk coax....cost zero!
 
5. Band decoders..not necessary.  For 15 yerars I used manual, until  2001.  
Not optimal, but it worked.
 
6.  2 radio controller...I am an appliance op.  I used the  diagram from an 
old NCJ and built one in the early 90s and I still use  it......$20.
 
Total cost for above assuming an old TS930.....maybe $500.
 
The bottom line is you don't have to jump into everything first  class.  When 
we built our first stations, we didn't.  Most guys don't  do the SO2R route 
first class all at once either.
 
If one doesn't want to do SO2R, fine.  But if they do, the cost  doesn't have 
to any more than $500 or so.
 
Bill K4XS